Film "Saint-Ex" depicts Saint-Exupéry's Andes rescue mission

Released in September 2024, the film "Saint-Ex" delves into a dramatic episode from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's life: the search for his friend Henri Guillaumet, who disappeared in the Andes in 1930.

Directed by Pablo Agüero, the French production follows Saint-Exupéry (played by Louis Garrel) and the Aéropostale airline. The narrative centers on Guillaumet's (Vincent Cassel) forced landing at over 3,000 meters in the Andes after being caught in a blizzard. Guillaumet managed to survive for seven days in extreme conditions following a crash.

Upon hearing of his friend's disappearance, Saint-Exupéry abandoned his own route flight and embarked on a search for Guillaumet across the Andes. Despite a five-day search, he was unsuccessful, leading Guillaumet's wife, Noëlle (Diane Kruger), to lose hope.

The film highlights a story of courage and friendship as central themes. Guillaumet reportedly told Saint-Exupéry, "What I have done, I swear, no animal would have done." Saint-Exupéry later dedicated his collection "Wind, Sand and Stars" to this survival story.

While a previous adaptation, the short film "Wings of Courage" (1996), explored the event, this marks the first full-length feature film treatment. "Saint-Ex" has been in theaters since December 11, 2024.